Brendan Fraser is officially on a comeback.
The Whale, a new Darren Aronofsky film in which Fraser stars, premiered at the Venice Film Festival Sunday night to a six-minute standing ovation.
Actors and longtime fans alike took to social media to share their own happiness at the recognition Fraser received with this latest role. As the applause continued for Fraser on Sunday, the actor and some audience members appeared to get choked up.
This comes years after Fraser was at the height of his career. So, why has this moment has brought so many people joy at the same time that others lament the fact that this film is Fraser’s return to stardom?
Fraser was once a major star with hits such as George of the Jungle and The Mummy franchise. But after a sustained run as one of Hollywood’s leading men, Fraser receded to the sidelines of TV and film in recent years.
Seeing Fraser who was so “universally loved” by the public for so long receive praise resonated with fans, according to film and media historian Chris Yogerst.